Let me begin by saying that planning a wedding is one of the most fun things I have ever done, but at the same time, there are so many details to consider! I have helped friends plan their own weddings before, but I am still finding new and interesting things to research. For example, reception halls… Most people would think that once you choose the location and menu, *poof* everything falls in to place. One of the details that Matt finds the most annoying, and that is overlooked until you go through it, is a cake cutting fee that can range from 10 dollars to a hundred dollars, just to make sure the cake is cut and served to guests! Now, on to my real point and not just ranting. :0) Matt and I went this past weekend to peek in a couple of reception halls in Blacksburg, just to get a general idea of what they’d be like. One of the centers is actually on Va Tech’s campus. It is in Owen’s dining hall, which is a smaller dining hall. Pros to this location: within walking distance from the chapel in which we hope to get married in, very nice atmosphere, good prices, and from what Matt says, good food. Cons to this location: its on campus and the wedding might be during the regular semester, so students could possibly be in the building (noise, unwelcomed guests, etc). The other center is actually called the Custom Catering Center (you can Google it to see some pictures of it) right in Blacksburg. Pros to this location: only about 5 minutes from the chapel, professional staff, nice atmosphere, some amenities (like a sound system) are included. Cons to this location: it is more of a "warehouse" than an intimate setting and guests will have to get from the chapel to the center (I don’t know if Matt and I will be able to provide transportation). So, I just thought those of you who are reading this would like to know where things are going and what matt and I are up to in figuring things out. As always, if you have any comments or questions, please let me know!
Matt Jess
I just thought I’d talk a little bit about what is going on this summer and how it effects things with the wedding and such. Matt and I, for those of you who don’t know, are separated this summer *until the second week of August*. Our mantra has been "if we can get through this, we can get through a lot".
Matt is up in DC working for a great company with a job he really enjoys. That has been a great thing that’s been going on. Conversely, I have been doing an internship in Southern West Virginia that I do not enjoy… at all. Everyone who knows me knows that I am a pretty upbeat and positive person, and this internship has really taken its toll on me in negative ways.
The reason I say these things is because one of my saving graces this summer has been looking in to wedding plans. I spend most evenings surfing the web, looking at wedding dresses, bouquet ideas, and the such. I’m surprised everyone I talk to hasn’t refused to talk to me for repetitive conversations about it! The good thing about all of this is that the wedding should be completely planned in a few weeks. But seriously, it gives me (and the people who are interested in being involved in the wedding) something to do. I’ve been able to compare prices for wedding dresses, reception centerpieces, and a lot of other things.
One of the things that I have come across that I’d like to get feedback on is this: Do guests expect extravagant wedding favors such as personalized picture frames, or is it okay to do a small, but cute favor? Any and all opinions on this matter would be helpful!
Matt Jess
As the title suggest, today is a day that is very important to me. Matt and I had our third date on this day and heard fireworks when we kissed after the date. Literally and Figuratively. I had met Lauren, her roommate, and Patrick earlier in the day when we all went to see the Blacksburg fireworks, which were wonderful. Matt and I went back to his old apartment to get more acquainted with one another and had an amazing time with fireworks going off in the background. I ended up leaving Blacksburg around 2 or 3 in the morning, and didn’t want to leave. Since then, he’s been in my thoughts and dreams, and will continue to be for the rest of my life.
Matt Jess